Barclays Bank has launched a 拢1m High Court legal battle against support services group Inspace Property Services.

Barclays is claiming a total of 拢977,179.13 and interest as damages for breach of contract and negligence from Inspace, of Letchworth, Hertfordshire, according to a High Court writ. Alternatively Barclays is seeking an indemnity.

A spokesperson for Inspace said the action relates to an incident in December 2000. He said: 鈥淭he claim is being defended and it鈥檚 in the hands of our insurers.鈥� Inspace was formerly the support services arm of contractor Willmott Dixon before it de-merged in January this year.

Thames Water Utilities is suing Interserve Piling in a 拢100,000 legal battle. Thames claims Interserve fractured a sewer in Victoria Road, London NW10, in May 2002, and then poured liquid concrete into it, which set and obstructed the flow. Thames is claiming damages for trespass, nuisance, and negligence.